Want to enjoy a rural getaway and fine country produce without worrying about which establishment you’re headed to? The Bienvenue a la Ferme (Welcome to the Farm) network is made for you. Nearly fifty landowners in Caledonia have joined the movement.

Nouméa by night

If you want to enjoy a nocturnal foray into the city, Nouméa has plenty of options for you. With trendy bars, gastronomic restaurants, nightclubs and casinos, you certainly won’t be bored at night. Whether you’re with family or friends, Nouméa is a city with a vibrant night life. Perfect for sleepless travellers!

Nouméa, the capital city of New Caledonia is on the ocean. Several bays extend along the city, providing magnificent beaches and points of view. Besides its natural features, Nouméa also has very attractive cultural offerings for tourists who choose to visit there.

From Ouvéa to the Isle of Pines, passing through Lifou, Tiga and Maré, the five islands bordering the Mainland, Grande Terre to the East are yet more gems to discover. From the blue hole of Hanawa at Ouvéa to the Warrior’s Leap at Wakone on Maré, via the Jokin Cliffs at Lifou or the Oro Bay on the Isle of Pines, let yourself be amazed!

The West Coast of the mainland (Grande Terre) shows off a great variety of scenery from its northern tip down to the area surrounding Nouméa. Characterised by both large spaces favouring cattle farming and a lagoon of stunning beauty, the West Coast is also host to a rich cultural heritage.

The central mountain range of the Mainland (Grande Terre) is a natural boundary, overlooking the very different faces of the East and West Coasts. Exposed to strong winds and therefore more humid, the eastern coast offers scenery with sumptuous flora. With a population of largely Melanesian origin, the East Coast has also retained a particularly charming flavour of authenticity.

The Great South, comprising the Mont-Dore and Yaté municipalities, is the most symbolic region for New Caledonia’s three main colours: blue, green and red. From the rainforest to the mining lands there are a thousand shades of green, while the ocean offers a dazzling palette of blues. But if one colour dominates the Great South, it is the specific red of its ground.

The Legendary Canala-Thio Scheduled Road

Tour guides are right when they stress that you need to be careful when taking this famous “scheduled road”. Still, it retains a magical character that continues to seduce tourists with an appetite for adventure!

It certainly is a kind of road that is rarely found elsewhere. Following the mountainside and across the Petchécara pass, it becomes so narrow and winding in places that passing times (between 7 am and 5 pm) have been fixed over a 13 km stretch of the route. So, you can take this road at even-numbered hours in the Canala to Thio direction and in the other direction at odd-numbered hours!

Be aware that the road is open in both directions after nightfall. An enchanting experience is guaranteed to those who have the courage to tackle this route, but care is absolutely indispensable. This is all the more the case because the road is not barriers everywhere; far from it!

A magical route but one to be tackled with the greatest of care!

Of course, it is recommended to stick scrupulously to the schedule. Still, you risk crossing paths, here or there, with occasional vehicles of owners who forgot to set their watches!

And be patient. Although the scheduled section is no more than 13 km in length, you need to allow a good half hour to navigate it to the end…